Are you bored of the traditional Thanksgiving food list? Need to spice things up in the kitchen this year? Well you’re in luck. Here are some alternative takes on the traditional recipes and foods.
“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” - Marcel Proust
Ranch Seasoned Roast Turkey
Essentially this recipe just comes down to mixing Ranch flavoring powder with butter. If that sounds delicious to you, that’s because it is. You won’t find this on any traditional Thanksgiving menu but it will certainly be talked about for Thanksgivings to come.
The Legendary Turducken
This is the ultimate show stopper for Thanksgiving. This alternative dish was made famous by the internet. Here’s what to include on the Thanksgiving menu planner:
- Stuffing
- 18 - 20 lbs. deboned turkey
- 4 - 5 lbs. deboned duck
- 3 - 4 lbs. deboned chicken
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Thyme
- Sage
- Brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
This is a somewhat complicated recipe but the payoff is well worth it. First, mix salt and sugar in the water and allow for the three birds to sit in the brine overnight. Early in the morning, pre-heat the oven for 500 degrees. You’re going to try to dress the chicken in the duck, then the duck into the turkey, and hold all that together with butcher’s twine. Roast the three birds for roughly 3 hours.
Glazed Ham Entree
Because not everyone likes turkey. This is a great alternative choice for any family member who just doesn’t dig birds as much. Fit this ham with pineapple slices and cherries to top it off. It also perfectly compliments the top 10 Thanksgiving sides that people have come to expect at Thanksgiving.
Turkey Roulade 3 Ways
Do you love a traditional American Thanksgiving dinner but want to change the game up this year? How about turkey pinwheels with different types of stuffing? You can choose between the following stuffing options, or simply do all three for some variety!
- Sausage-Corn Bread Filling
- Bacon-Mushroom Filling
- Fennel-Apple Filling
Sage and Orange Turkey
This unique take on Thanksgiving dinner menu ideas puts a whole new twist on a classic dish. As you may have guessed, you’ll need sage and orange for this recipe. Also garlic, leeks, carrots, Boursin cheese, onions, olive oil, and flour. You’ll want to scrub the oranges and place two or three in the turkey’s cavity prior to cooking.
Orange you glad we didn’t say turkey?
Then roast the remaining oranges and veggies in a pan. This will effectively form a rack that you’re going to serve around the turkey when the dining begins. A delicious take on a modern classic.
Bacon-Weaved Turkey
Why try to fix what isn’t broken? Everything is better with bacon. This is taking a page from the traditional southern Thanksgiving dinner menu. Simply use the bacon weaving technique to create a delicious blanket to be placed on top of the turkey while it is cooking. A slice of bacon with every bite of turkey is the way to go.
Turkey Deviled Eggs
Why spend hours baking a turkey when you can make a bunch of tiny egg creations? Deviled turkey eggs provide a delectable hor d'oeuvres to serve your guests that will also become a major talking piece. Who wouldn’t want to eat tiny little turkeys? You won’t find this item on the traditional Thanksgiving food list.
Any Thanksgiving recipes you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments below! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for more great tips and inspiration!
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